SISLER, GEORGE (HAROLD)

born March 24, 1893, Manchester, Ohio, U.S. died March 26, 1973, Richmond Heights, Mo. American professional baseball player, considered by some the greatest of all first basemen. As a student at the University of Michigan, Sisler excelled in baseball, football, and basketball. He entered the major leagues directly with the St. Louis Browns of the American League in 1915 and remained with them through 1927. He later played for Washington (1928) and the Boston Braves of the National League (192830). Before settling at first base, the left-handed Sisler pitched and played the outfield. He twice hit over .400 (.407 in 1920 and .420 in 1922) and attained a career average of .340. He set a major-league record with 257 hits in 1920. In 1922 he batted safely in 41 consecutive games, an American League record until 1941. He led the American League in stolen bases four years, stealing 51 in 1922. Ill health prevented Sisler from playing in 1923, when he was at his peak. Impaired vision, caused by sinus trouble, reduced his effectiveness thereafter, as did the burden of managing the Browns (192426). Nonetheless, he hit over .300 in all but one of his remaining seasons. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939.